Last updated: March 2026
Developing a USP means differentiating yourself from your competitors, that is to say, other bands and musicians whom potential clients could hire instead. Think carefully about what makes you stand out from the crowd, and then start shouting about it! In this blog, we’ll give you some top tips on standing out from the crowd…
USP stands for “Unique Selling Point”. It’s a business term that’s generally used to highlight what makes a product or service different from the others on the market.
As a function band, many different aspects of what you do that can be turned into your USP. You may well have more than one.
Your USP can be anything, as long as it separates you from your peers. For instance:
- The style of music you play
- The instrumentation that makes up your group
- The costumes you wear
- The light show you can put on
- How much you charge
4 easy steps to define your unique selling point
If you’re struggling to work out what your band’s USP is, you can start by writing down the following:
- Explain your style of music
- Define your target audience
- List the biggest distinctive features of your band
- Define what you offer the client
Show off your testimonials
Including testimonials that back up your USP on your website or Last Minute Musicians profile is always a good idea. These testimonials must show off your best qualities and are reasonably up to date.
A great way to tell potential clients about you is to share your current testimonials through social media.
Your goal is to communicate to potential customers why they should use you rather than someone else. Customers want to know why you’re good, what style of music you play and what other people think about you.
Last Minute Musicians joint-founder, Adam Hughes
It is a good idea to contact clients a few weeks after their event to encourage them to give a review.
Giving a polite reminder will jolt their memory, and they will remember how fantastic their entertainment was.
USP example 1: The Royal
The Royal’s USP is their huge stage persona and ability to offer a wide range of line ups.
The Royal offer small to large entertainment packages to suit mid to high range budgets.
The band then promote this selling point through a short video that outlines their repertoire and energetic stage show.
USP example 2: Men in Blue
Many clients love the idea that they are getting the same entertainment as the stars. Men in Blue use their high profile performance in Hyde Park for the Royal Wedding celebrations and performances at secret celebrity parties as a USP.
For a party band, it can be difficult to set yourself aside from other bands performing the same ‘pop’ music style.
A potential USP for such a band could also be performing pop music in a slightly different style to the original.
USP example 3: Abba Sisters
You might expect an Abba tribute group to feature four members. However, the Abba Sisters have marketed towards clients who seek to hire entertainment on a budget but not cut back on quality.
The group can also be hired as a four-piece band featuring Benny & Bjorn – everything a client could wish for in a 70s entertainment package for those looking to spend a little more.
Abba SOS also offer a separate ‘70s Fever Show’, which they incorporate into their Abba performance.
More ways to stand out from the crowd
Beyond your musical style and line-up, there are many other ways to differentiate yourself from competing acts. Here are some additional USP ideas to consider:
- Your stage show and production – Do you offer something visually memorable? Lighting, choreography, themed costumes, or even pyrotechnics can set you apart from bands who simply turn up and play.
- Fan and audience interaction – Acts that genuinely engage with their audience, whether through crowd participation, requests, or personalised setlists, create a more memorable experience for clients and guests.
- Niche market targeting – Rather than marketing yourself as a generic covers band, consider specialising. You could focus on weddings, corporate events, or a particular decade of music. Bands that target a niche often attract more bookings than those trying to appeal to everyone.
- Your online presence and brand identity – A professional website, consistent branding, and high-quality promotional videos can be a USP in themselves. Many bands neglect their online presence, so investing in yours can help you stand out in search results and on directories like Last Minute Musicians.
How to promote your USP
Having a USP is only valuable if potential clients know about it. Here are some effective ways to promote what makes you unique:
- Lead with your USP on your profile – Make sure the very first thing clients see on your Last Minute Musicians profile or website highlights what sets you apart. Don’t bury your strongest selling point at the bottom of a long biography.
- Use social media strategically – Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are excellent for showcasing your USP through video clips, behind-the-scenes content, and client testimonials.
- Mention it in every enquiry response – When replying to booking enquiries, always reference your USP. For example, if your selling point is flexible line-ups, mention the different packages you can offer for their specific event.
- Build your repertoire around it – If your USP is a particular style or era of music, make sure your setlist reflects this consistently. Clients want to see that your USP is genuine, not just a marketing claim.
A unique selling point should be as simple as possible and specifically tailored to your target audience.
Bands are likely to get a greater number of gigs by targeting a niche market than by simply advertising themselves as a ‘pop function band available for hire’.Sources
- https://www.lastminutemusicians.com/entertainment_agency.html
- http://www.sitepoint.com/how-to-create-unique-selling-proposition/
What’s your band’s USP? How do you promote it? Let us know in the comments below.
